The Warner sun. (Warner, Brown Co., Dakota [S.D.]) 1885-1???, 1887-08-05

ingenious devices Tor fastening them
at either end. His finest specimens
were fiuted and richly ornamented, and
carefully balanced in all parts. Such
were sold for an equivalent of $50 in
our money. Less elaborate bows netted
him S15, which is the price asked
for similar manufactures to-day. A
very satisfactory bow can be bought al
So tc SIS. Many are sold that cost Sl.5
per dozen. The addition of half Or
even quarter of an ounce to how be-
comes very noticeable in prolonged
playing. Brazil wood is extensively
employed in bowmaking. 1t is found
in many qualities, especially fine dark
red specimens being sometimes foisted
upon the inexpert as genuine Pernam-
buco. Snakewood is a favorite with
some makers. Steel bows and folding
contrvances have enjoyed very brief
lives. The complete bow should weigh
about two and one-eighth ounces, and
be so balanced that it may be hurriedly
placed upon the strings with a light,
springy motion that does not impair
effectiveness of the hair.
Old bows are not in so much demand
as old violins, although cranky col
lectors often get in fever over them.
There is just enough competition to
make the artist pay more than he ought
for that he alone can use to best adj
vantage. A New Haven connoisseur
has ten exceptionally fine bow, sticks,
for which collection he has refused
$1,000 It's the old story-they are
''articles of virtun'
Purified rosin is used to keep the
hair rough, thus creating numberless
light shocks to the strings as the bow
is drawn acoss them. 1t is better 70
err on the side of using too little than
the reverse. Worn-out hair can be re-
placed by new coil at an expense Of
rs cents for the best grade. Pure rosin
is moulded in cakes of various forms,
which sell for 25 cents to $1.75 per doz-
en-.
AluOnS dlllCItuL lu0hGES VI SbIluAs
the Italians hold first rank as regards
purify of sound. Next comes the Ger
mans, whose make of strings prove
very durable, followed by the French
and other countries, in subordinate
rank. Italian superiority is easily ex-
planned. In that beautiful climate
manufacturing is principally carried on
in the open air. Southern Germany is
fortunate in this respect, though in less
degree. Further nerth artificial pro-
cesses are rendered necessary for dy-
ing and finishing the product. ard
strings may be said to deteriorate as a
rule in proportion to the distance the
mandatory is removed from Italy.
The intestines of sheep and goats are
used in string-making, chiefly the for
mer. These are immersed in solutions
of alkalies, after which they are thor
oughly rinsed with water. When dry
the process is repeated several times
the alkaline baths growing stronger at
each stage Of treatment. At length
the tegument is split into threads and
spun into strings. Skilled workmen
are necessary in the latter details, as
| perfect strings should be uniform in
size throughout The finest qualities
comes from lambs. Those slaughtered
! in September yield the most desirable
materials. Friction from the fingers
in playing tends to separate the COM
ponent strands; particularly
is this the case when per-
spiration is induced by prolonged
exercise. Al moist atmosphere is fatal
to gut strings. In dog-day weather silk
strings are frequently substituted
Though the tone is not SO acceptable,
exemption from brenkage repays the
! loss In selecting strings il is safe 10
choose those of greatest transparency.
Dizziness of color indicates too many
threads or Indifferent MATERIAL The
fourth string Is covered with silver or
copper wire, or mixture Of metals Of
great ductility. Silver is wound on gut
to good advantage. Those covered
with copper wire give more powerful
effects. Strings bearing either Of these
metals have a tendency 70 rise in pitch
from warmth of the fingers. To obviate
this annoyance mixed wire is used
combining power and softness, which is
/ less liable to expansion. Fourth strings
as found in market are apt 70 be too
heavy. II is best to purchase all sizes
ais they are needed. as they seldom inn
/ prove after seasoning. Old instruments
do not ordinarily require heavy strings,
Medium sizes that develop rich clear
tones are better adapted TO mood, mel